Just got one.

[Erm]

It's all quiet on the Z88 front....

I got a Z88 recently in a small lot of computers (I was really only after the ZX80 but the price was good).

It's a German model with German ROM (which means it has the German letters on the keyboard but everything software-wise is still in English) and it worked after I'd cleaned up the keyboard rubber, allowed it some time with power and did a few resets. I just managed to exchange files between it and an old laptop running Win95 and using a serial cable I made up. It came with a 32k EPROM labelled in pen as PC Link II but unfortunately it wouldn't read the contents so I've erased it with UV and can now save files to it.

I understand that without extra RAM I'm very limited and in fact have already had low memory problems.

It's all another new learning curve but fortunately there are a couple of areas of the web dedicated to them - actually one of which seems to have made me more confused as it's sort of like a giant tabloid website from 2003. Anyway, I now have to decide how far I want to go with it in terms of upgrades/software etc!

Anyone else here with Z88 user experience?

[1024MAK]

Well, I have two of them, but just get distracted playing with the Z80 version of BBC BASIC...

I also made up a serial lead and did try transferring files (which IIRC worked okay).

Mark

[Erm]

Yes, you're a BBC micro man aren't you.

The typing experience on them and the overall quality etc is very good, I must say. And the shortcuts with the square or the diamond key combos, quite a nice little system.

I've just been looking at replacing the internal ROM, but it seems they are non standard and the equivalent EPROM is an obscure one so I'll just leave that as it is and maybe get some plug-ins.

[msch]

I have one too. But far too little time for the hobby
I recently discoverd an upgrade service from a guy from the netherlands:
https://www.ebay.de/itm/223845226251

[Erm]

I saw that too. But I have to control myself or I will end up with computer systems all over the house that are upgraded to full modern capabilities but still don't get used at all, ever! I snapped up the last Zxpand+ yesterday, I think that probably makes more sense for me at the moment.

[msch]

I know the problem. I have one dedicated room - full up to the ceiling with old (and newer) stuff

[1024MAK]

When I decided which room in my house was to be the ‘computer’ room, I did not think it through. Choosing the smallest ‘bedroom’ was maybe not the right choice

As it is now full with 1980s and 1990s computers, their books and expansions and a small number of older PCs as well! Oh and three printers.

Mark

[Erm]

We hope to take over the mother-in-law's flat downstairs this year, after she either moves out or dies (whichever comes first - she's been wanting to move in with her new gentleman friend since last year, but keeps coming back to potter around).

That'll eventually give me a nice big room that I can fill with shelves for the 'resting-retro' and space to set up at least 3 computers for regular use complete with monitors and the odd printer.

[msch]

My cave anno 2014:
https://forum.tlienhard.com/phpBB3/view ... 787#p14787
... and the volume has doubled by 2020 ...

[SHZ88]

I love the Z88 (use it every day) and have found the information on Z88 Forever https://www.worldofspectrum.org/z88forever/uglib.htm incredibly useful.

To be honest, the best thing to do is buy a 128k Ram pack, as the unexpanded Z88 is quite limited.

There is a good version of EazyLink (PC Link II) plus the PC Software under the ROMS section, so that you can exchange files with the PC.

Regards
Simon